Aston Martin: The Classics

Aston Martin

The DB4GT made its debut at the 1959 London Motor Show. The car was designed by Aston Martin and used the Superleggera construction system - aluminium panels on tubular support frames - produced by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan. Although similar to the DB4, the changes added up to a very different motor car. Five inches were taken out of the original DB4 wheelbase, making the GT easier to handle on a race track and reducing the overall weight; the engine was equipped with a new twin-plug head and 45 DCOE Weber Carburettors. This increased power output to an impressive 302 bhp. The DB4GT was the first of many Aston Martins to use the faired in headlamps. Offered at the London Motorshow in October 1960, the beautiful DB4GT Zagato at 1,225kg was 45kg lighter than the standard GT mainly due to perspex windows and less luxurious trim. Four cars were lightened further for racing and proved extremely competitive.

The DB4GT made its debut at the 1959 London Motor Show. The car was designed by Aston Martin and used the Superleggera construction system - aluminium panels on tubular support frames - produced by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan. Although similar to the DB4, the changes added up to a very different motor car. Five inches were taken out of the original DB4 wheelbase, making the GT easier to handle on a race track and reducing the overall weight; the engine was equipped with a new twin-plug head and 45 DCOE Weber Carburettors. This increased power output to an impressive 302 bhp. The DB4GT was the first of many Aston Martins to use the faired in headlamps. Offered at the London Motorshow in October 1960, the beautiful DB4GT Zagato at 1,225kg was 45kg lighter than the standard GT mainly due to perspex windows and less luxurious trim. Four cars were lightened further for racing and proved extremely competitive. (Aston Martin)

Production Dates: July 1963 - September 1965 Perhaps the most famous Aston Martin because of the specially equipped Silver Birch DB5 that starred in the James Bond film "Goldfinger" and in standard form in "Thunderball". The DB5 made a comeback to the big screen in the 1995 film "GoldenEye", and has had a cameo role in subsequent Bond movies. Regarded by many as the most beautiful Aston Martin produced, DB5 shares many similar traits to the DB4. However, DB5s most substantial change occurred under the bonnet. The 6 cylinder engine capacity was enlarged to 4 litres by increasing the bore to 96mm. Significant too was the introduction of a full synchromesh ZF 5 speed gearbox. Other chassis changes included the adoption of the Girling disc brakes that had only been used on the DB4GT, along with 15 wheels. A Convertible was also offered and was available with a steel hard top with an exceptionally large rear window.

Production Dates: July 1963 - September 1965 Perhaps the most famous Aston Martin because of the specially equipped Silver Birch DB5 that starred in the James Bond film "Goldfinger" and in standard form in "Thunderball". The DB5 made a comeback to the big screen in the 1995 film "GoldenEye", and has had a cameo role in subsequent Bond movies. Regarded by many as the most beautiful Aston Martin produced, DB5 shares many similar traits to the DB4. However, DB5s most substantial change occurred under the bonnet. The 6 cylinder engine capacity was enlarged to 4 litres by increasing the bore to 96mm. Significant too was the introduction of a full synchromesh ZF 5 speed gearbox. Other chassis changes included the adoption of the Girling disc brakes that had only been used on the DB4GT, along with 15 wheels. A Convertible was also offered and was available with a steel hard top with an exceptionally large rear window. (Aston Martin)